UN adopts resolution urging end to Cuban embargo, US abstains for first time
Updated: 2016-10-27 10:09
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
Students pose for a selfie in front of a screen which reads "Cuba versus the blockade" during an event at the Havana's University in Havana, Cuba, October 26, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
UNITED NATIONS - The UN General Assembly on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution urging an end to U.S. embargo on Cuba, and the United States abstained for the first time in 25 years.
Altogether 191 UN member states voted in favor of the resolution, while the United States and Israel abstained.
It is the 25th time that the UN General Assembly has adopted such a resolution. This year, there is a change in vote of the United States since it voted against in the past 24 votes.
Full diplomatic ties were restored between the United States and Cuba as an agreement to resume normal relations took effect on July 20, 2015. However, the United States has not repealed the embargo yet.
The resolution welcomed the progress in relations between the two countries and the visit of the U.S. President Barack Obama to Cuba in March 2016.
It also noted that "the steps taken by the United States Administration towards modifying some aspects of the implementation of the embargo, which, although positive, are still limited in scope."
Therefore, the General Assembly once again urged the repeal of the blockade measures as soon as possible, said the resolution.
Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, foreign minister of Cuba, told the General Assembly that "the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba persists, seriously harming the Cuban people and impairing the country's economic development."
"Lifting the blockade is the key to be able to advance towards the normalization of relations with the United States; it is what will give some meaning, depth and soundness to what has been achieved so far," he said.
While ahead of the vote, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said the U.S. abstention is due to Obama's new approach to Cuba, but it does not mean that the United States agrees with all of the policies and practices of the Cuban government.
Washington decreed the blockade against Havana officially on Feb. 3, 1962, following the intensification of the political differences that emerged between the U.S. and the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro.
Related Stories
Chinese premier lays wreath to monument of Cuban national hero 2016-09-26 11:31
Blockade will impede flight potential from US, says senior Cuban official 2016-08-31 09:09
Xi meets Cuban leader's special envoy 2016-06-27 17:11
Cuban parliament to step up efforts to end US embargo 2016-07-05 10:16
Today's Top News
Strongest quake in decades hits central Italy
EU, Canada sign landmark deals
Party ramps up supervision
Queen Elizabeth visits new town Poundbury
UK retailers catering for homesick Chinese
UK government opts for new Heathrow runway
China's business leaders optimistic about UK
Workers tear down Calais 'Jungle'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Hollywood snaps up rock star's dog film |
Chinese people welcome dispossessed |
The can-do generation to the fore |
Riding the wave |
Leisure giants buoy cruise market |
She followed her heart |